"Dean, College of Engineering and Science"

About the Position

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech), a private research university on the Space Coast, invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean of the College of Engineering and Science. As the state’s STEM University, founded to educate the pioneers of the U.S. space program, Florida Tech is deeply and historically rooted in a culture of relentless determination. Today, the University carries on this legacy through the rigorous hands-on degree programs offered in engineering, science, computing, aeronautics, business, psychology, and more.

Florida Tech seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and collaborative Dean who will lead the success, growth, and future of the College of Engineering and Science. The Dean reports directly to the Provost and will lead efforts in promoting excellence in research, teaching, undergraduate and graduate student learning, mentoring, fundraising, and community engagement. The successful candidate will lead a faculty across multiple departments while fostering innovation, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening industry partnerships across the Space Coast and beyond.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must possess an earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution with scholarly achievements warranting appointment as a tenured Full Professor in an academic department within the College of Engineering and Science. The candidate must also possess a distinguished record of administrative and scholarly accomplishments, as well as proven capabilities in department, program-level, or university-level strategic planning and related decision-making.

In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following preferred qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive academic leadership experience with previous experience as a dean, associate dean, or department head strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of accreditation processes and requirements.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and external partnership development.
• Experience with industry collaboration and technology transfer.
• Record of successful faculty recruitment and retention.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovation ecosystems.
• Professional engineering licensure or equivalent professional credentials (if applicable).

Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and leadership for the College of Engineering and Science.
• Oversee curriculum development, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support faculty in achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration within the college and across the university.
• Ensure programs maintain high academic standards and relevant accreditations.

Faculty and Staff Management

• Lead recruitment, retention, and development of outstanding faculty and staff.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and support professional development.
• Facilitate mentorship programs for junior faculty.

Research and Innovation

• Champion research excellence and support faculty in securing external funding.
• Develop strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, and research institutions.
• Establish and enhance infrastructure and programs to promote graduate research through collaboration with faculty, allowing graduate students to identify problems and seek solutions benefitting industry and society.
• Ensure the engagement of undergraduate students in research projects, providing in-depth knowledge of real-world problems.
• Promote technology transfer and commercialization opportunities.
• Oversee research compliance and integrity initiatives.

Financial and Administrative Leadership

• Manage college budget and resources effectively.
• Collaborate with the advancement team to develop and implement fundraising strategies for the college.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and meet target fundraising goals for the college.
• Oversee facilities planning and capital projects.
• Ensure efficient administrative operations.

External Relations

• Represent the college to external constituencies including industry partners, alumni, and professional organizations.
• Create and foster corporate relationships with external partners in key industries such as aerospace and technology.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support student recruitment and retention efforts.
• Engage in professional development and continuing education activities.